Connacht Rugby have signed Leicester Tigers lock Joe Maksymiw as part of the upgrading of their pack for the 2018/19 season.

Maksymiw is a product of the Leicester Tigers Academy and made his first senior appearance for the club against the Barbarians in 2014. Born in Derby he was part of England under 18's tour to South Africa in 2014 but is Irish qualified.

Having impressed this year for Leicester featuring in the Anglo-Welsh Cup, the lock made his Aviva Premiership and Champions Cup debuts for the club.

With talk beginning to surround him in English rugby circles, Maksymiw said that he is looking forward to playing for Ireland’s Western Province.

“I am hugely excited about signing for Connacht and cannot wait to get over to the Sportsground and join up with the squad,” he said.

“I know there is huge ambition within Connacht Rugby to bring further success to the province and I hope to contribute to that next season.”

The signing boosts a Connacht pack that has already seen the signing of in-form Robin Copeland and the promotion of three academy players. Connacht Forwards Coach Jimmy Duffy said that the new signing will fit right into a Connacht pack looking to improve on this year’s performances.

“Joe is an exciting young player who we are looking forward to having in our squad next season. He is a big powerful lock who has progressed well at Leicester and he will be a good addition to Connacht Rugby.”